Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
A natural avalanche cycle is ongoing, with numerous large avalanches being reported and multiple near misses. Avalanche terrain, as well as overhead hazard should be avoided.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
There have been some very close calls from people getting out. One at Crowfoot Glades and one on HWY. 93S. Thanks to those who shared about their incidents, the forecasting team and general public appreciate it!
Additionally, we've seen numerous natural and explosive-triggered avalanches, up to size 3.5 with some avalanches running full path. The potential for large natural avalanches is very real.
Human triggering in avalanche terrain remains likely.
Snowpack Summary
50-90 cm of new snow fell from Feb 23 to March 2. This combined with strong winds has formed a 40-60 cm storm slab in many exposed areas at alpine and treeline elevations. The Feb 3 facets/crust layer is down 50-90 cm and exists up to 2500m. The base of the snowpack consists of facets and depth hoar. This basal layer is weaker in shallow snowpack areas.
Average snowpack depths at tree line range from 110 cm (to the east) to 170 cm (to the west).
Weather Summary
Scattered flurries across the range. Trace accumulations are expected however pay attention to convective snowfall bringing more snow than forecast. Light to moderate westerly ridgetop winds. Freezing levels at valley bottom, with an alpine high of -14C.
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